Iran Nation or Cause

“Iran’s First Successful Military Space Launch Should Worry Israel,” Yossi Melman  Haaretz, April 25, 2020.  Here are some excerpts from the Haaretz story about the very concerning military program to place a satellite by Iran.  “But it is the second stage that highlights the Islamic Republic’s technological progress – and military ambitions. It uses a solid propellant, the process of making which is more advanced than a liquid propellant. Its advantage lies in the fueling process. Like a car’s gas tank, it can take time to fill a rocket with liquid propellant. Within that time, enemy intelligence agencies could take notice. Solid propellant allows for quicker, more covert fueling.”  Also, “There is also the notable fact that because the launcher was a mobile Shahab-3 adapted for a longer rocket, there was no launch umbilical tower – the tower of scaffolding frequently used to service a spacecraft on the launchpad – setting it apart from Iran’s past “civilian” launches.”  Finally, a notable quote in the story from a missile expert.  “The very act of launching a military satellite in the midst of the coronavirus crisis is a statement of self-confidence and perseverance by the Ayatollahs.”

As an example of “fake news” the Regime puts out, notice the headline then read the article.  The Mayor of London did not say anything comparing the UK and Iran’s response to Covid-19, let alone that Iran is responding better than the UK.  See “London Mayor Says Iran More Successful Than UK in Battling COVID-19,” IFP Media Wire, April 25, 2020.  Acting under official license from Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Iran Front Page touts that it is one of the only private and independent Iranian news websites with English-speaking audiences.  See https://ifpnews.com/about-us.  IFP claims “This media group belongs to the private sector and works independently from all political parties and movements.  By and large, IFP is trying to say that in Iran life goes on as normally as it can.”

I didn’t know that a story about Saudi Arabia solely would make my blog today.  But of two countries that still use the barbaric and Sharia-based penalty of flogging, Saudi Arabia has announced it will cast it aside, and Iran continues to use it.  See “Saudi Arabia abolishes flogging as punishment,” Al Jazeera, April 25, 2020.  See also, “Iran imposes flogging on Christian convert for peaceful protest,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 23, 2020.

76 persons died officially in Iran on Friday.  “Iran says coronavirus death toll rises by 76 to 5,650 – health ministry,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, April 25, 2020.

“40 years since the U.S. military fiasco in Iranian desert,” Tehran Times, April 25, 2020.

90 died on Thursday.  “Mossad chief said to allege Iran, some Arab states lying about their virus stats,” Times of Israel, April 24, 2020.

““Reports that Iran has carried out a satellite launch – using ballistic missile technology – are of significant concern and inconsistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2231,” a British Foreign Office spokesman said. “The U.N. has called upon Iran not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Iran must abide by this.””  See  “Iran’s ballistic missile launch ‘of significant concern’: Britain,” Reuters, April 24, 2020.

“Israel Warns Hezbollah to Stay Clear of its Strike Targets in Syria,” Asharq Al-Awsat, April 24, 2020.

“US Allies Condemn Iran’s Satellite Launch As Russia Defends The Move,” Radio Farda, April 24, 2020.

“Conspiracy theories are the life-blood of the Islamic Republic.”  A helpful statement by a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relationsm, partly explaining why Iran acts as it does, and refuses to join a fact-based perspective upon which most modern-day states are based.  Part of it is theological but it is mainly political and criminal, and blames others for Regime problems and adopts a martyr complex.  “Explaining Iran’s coronavirus cataclysm,” Ray Takeyh, New York Daily News, April 23, 2020.

“President Rouhani Opens Iran’s Largest Aluminum Plant,” Tasnim News, April 23, 2020.

IRGC Gen. Salami is the person who announced and displayed Iran’s “coronavirus detector” at 100 feet.  Maybe he can use it in the Persian Gulf to figure out where U.S. Navy ships and submarines and spec-ops are.  And Air Force assets.  Salami said today, “We have ordered our naval units at sea that if any warships or military units from the naval force of America’s terrorist army wants to jeopardize our commercial vessels or our combat vessels, they must target those (American) warships or naval units.”  See “Iran Guard commander threatens US Navy after Trump tweet,” Nasser Karimi and Jon Gambrell, AP, ABC, April 23, 2020.

“Venezuela turns to Iran for a hand restarting its gas pumps,” Scott Smith and Joshua Goodman, AP, April 23, 2020.

Amir Ali Hajizadeh.  That’s his name.  He may not be long for this world.  The USG said the Iranian military satellite launch was overseen by a high-ranking commander involved in past attacks on American targets, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, at a site in eastern Iran.  He was behind the downing of a U.S. military drone in the Gulf last June, a missile attack on U.S. service members in Iraq in January, and the downing of a Ukrainian Airlines flight near Tehran the same month.  Reuters and other media are reporting that the space shot was from “a rapid deployment, mobile launch system, which is inconsistent with any civilian application,” the administration official said.  “This was a space launch conducted by the Iranian military for military purposes,” the official said.  See “Iranian satellite launch inconsistent with civilian uses: U.S. official,” Steve Holland, Reuters, April 23, 2020.

This article is helpful for explaining again why U.S. sanctions are not preventing Iran from using its sovereign wealth fund to provide the billions needed for coronavirus response to its public.  “Iran Hawks Push Trump Against Coronavirus Aid For Iran,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, April 23, 2020.

“Iran’s Guard says it launched satellite amid US tensions,” Amir Vahdat and Jon Gambrell, AP, April 22, 2020.

“Iran state broadcaster keeps internet slow by withholding needed frequency bands,” Arab News, April 22, 2020.

“Amid Coronavirus, Concerns Grow Over Fate of Americans Held in Iran, Syria,” Sirwan Kajjo and Mehdi Jedinia, VOA, April 22, 2020.

“Trump says US will ‘destroy’ Iranian gunboats that harass American ships,” Tucker Higgins and Amanda Macias, CNBC, April 22, 2020.

94 died April 21, announced April 22.  “Iran Reopens Parks, Further Easing Virus-Linked Curbs,” Reuters, April 22, 2020.

“Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Threaten to Attack Nuclear Aircraft Carriers,” Asharq Al-Awsat, April, 21, 2020.

“Iran’s media freedom rank is 173 out of the 180 countries in the latest press freedom index of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released on Tuesday. The Islamic Republic’s rank has dropped three points from 170 in 2019. The RSF report says Iran has been one of the world’s most repressive countries for journalists for the past 40 years with unrelenting state control of news and information and at least 860 journalists and citizen-journalists imprisoned or executed since 1979.”  See “Iran Among Worst Violators Of Journalists’ Rights, Reporters Without Borders Says,” Radio Farda, April 21, 2020.

“Containing corruption key to Iran’s economic recovery,” Bijan Khajehpour, Al-Monitor, April 21, 2020.

“Without Sanctions, Iran’s Provocations Would Be Deadlier,” Bobby Ghosh, Bloomberg, April 21, 2020.

“Iran’s new frontline with America in the Gulf and Syria,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, April 21, 2020.

“Why is Iran bragging about ‘replicating’ an Israeli missile?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, April 21, 2020.

“Billions Missing? Iranian Court Slams Rouhani Administration,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, April 21, 2020.

88 died April 20, announced April 21.  “Iran’s death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rises to 5,297 – Health ministry official,” Reuters, April 21, 2020.

91 died Sunday per the IRI Health Ministry.  “Iran death toll from new coronavirus outbreak rises by 91 to 5,209 – health ministry official,” Reuters, April 20, 2020.

Personal visits between Iran representatives and Syrian are always interesting to watch in the context of regional affairs and the current plans of Iran, particularly since the removal of Soleimani.  Today FM Zarif carries direction from Ayatollah Khamenei to Pres. Assad.  “Iran’s Zarif To Meet Syrian Leader In Damascus,” RFE/RL, April 20, 2020.

How did Syria get coronavirus?  “The presence of thousands of Iranian militias fighting alongside Assad’s forces in Syria and Iranian pilgrims have been cited by some medics and humanitarian workers as a main source of the contagion in Syria.”  Thank you Iran.  See “Wearing face masks, Syria’s Assad and Iran’s Zarif condemn West at Damascus meeting,” Reuters, April 20, 2020.

“Iran Responds To Trump: No Talks Under Economic Sanctions, Even With Biden,” Radio Farda, April 20, 2020.

“Industrial Bank of Korea settles U.S., New York criminal probes over $1 billion Iran transfer,” Jonathan Stempel, Reuters, April 20, 2020.

“Ex-Mossad official: Iran nuke submarine idea cover for uranium enrichment,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, April 20, 2020.

“Rouhani Aide Attacks Watchdog Saying No Money Disappeared From Iran’s Budget,” Radio Farda, April 20, 2020.

“Iran’s Guard says it has higher range anti-warship missiles,” Nasser Karimi, AP, April 20, 2020.

“Pompeo urges UN Security Council to extend Iran’s arms embargo,” Jerry Omondi, CGTN Africa, April 19, 2020.  Secretary of State Pompeo has asked the UNSC to extend Iran’s arms embargo.  “The arms embargo on Iran – the world’s leading state sponsor of terror – expires six months from today. The UN Security Council (UNSC) must extend the embargo before Iran’s violence escalates and they start a new arms race in the Middle East. The clock is ticking,” Pompeo said in a Twitter post Friday.  Iran’s arms embargo is scheduled to be lifted in October, five years after it was imposed.  In Nov. 2019, Pres. Rouhani said Iran would regain access to the international arms market after the lifting of the sanctions.  “When the embargo…is lifted next year we can easily buy and sell weapons.”  Pompeo says Iran’s aggressions require an extension of the arms embargo.  “In the last year, Iran fired ballistic missiles at its neighbors, mined and captured oil tankers, smuggled weapons into conflict zones, and shot down a civilian passenger jet. We can’t risk Iran buying more advanced weapons and transferring their arsenal to irresponsible actors.”

“Iran is using chat apps to spy on its citizens, researchers say,” The National, Bloomberg, April 19, 2020.

“Iran extends prisoner furloughs, closure of holy sites amid coronavirus,” WHBL, April 19, 2020.

“Iran Shows Off Drones that Can Reach Israel, Threat Increases,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, April 19, 2020.

“Tehran City Official Says Pandemic Toll Much Higher As Shrines Set To Reopen,” Radio Farda, April 19, 2020.

“Iranian regime will not stop bankrolling terror,” Baria Alamuddin, Arab News, April 19, 2020.

“Iran-US tensions decrease in Iraq, for now,” France 24, April 19, 2020.

Quote of the Day—Iran’s deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi said releasing a province-by-province breakdown of coronavirus statistics would create the “risk of further spread of the virus”, after three days of refusing to release the breakdown.  From “Iran Refuses To Release Detailed Coronavirus Statistics,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, April 16, 2020.  Here is a further quote from Haririchi—“Releasing the provincial statistics would result in travel from provinces with a high prevalence of the coronavirus to provinces with lower or moderate prevalence, and as a result, these regions will face the danger of increased spread of the virus,” he told the state-run IRNA.  But wait!  There’s more!  Haririchi added that interpretation of scientific data “should be done in a general and national manner, and should be announced to the people with transparency.”  Finally, in a story where the hits just keep coming, readers are reminded that “Harirchi had previously made international headlines at the beginning of the outbreak when he denied rumors of a coronavirus coverup on television while visibly ill.  He tested positive for the coronavirus and was quarantined soon after.”  Remember him?  This the official who sweated and coughed while denying covering up the scale of the outbreak.  See “Coronavirus: Iran’s deputy health minister tests positive as outbreak worsens,” February 25, 2020.  So whether it is the height of hypocrisy or is an example of mismanagement or both, but even more likely light shining on one of the points of financial and political corruption in the Iran System, Iraj Harirchi appears to be headed for membership in the Iraqi Information Minister Hall of Fame.

More good news on the invention to detect coronavirus.  IRGC Gen. Salami “explained that the device, dubbed “Mosta’an,” can “detect every coronavirus infection case within a 100-meter radius by creating a magnetic field and using a bipolar virus inside the device,” Salami said … and claimed the Mosta’an was being adapted to eventually detect any virus.”  What is a bipolar virus?  Will Iran mass produce these and put them in every hospital and clinic?  Let’s watch and see.  We also wonder what countries will order these for their health system.  Certainly Gen. Salami will be awarded some honor by Supreme Leader Khamenei … or will be demoted.  See “Iran marks Army Day with medical gear parade instead of usual missiles and jets,” Times of Israel, April 18, 2020.

89 deaths on Friday.  “Iran parades medical gear, not missiles on Army Day as coronavirus deaths hit 4,958 – Middle East Monitor,” Miriam Jackson, Union Journal, April 18, 2020.

Quoting from another story, to display the poor conditions the Regime does not change.  “Referring to concerns over the novel coronavirus outbreak in the Islamic Republic prisons, a lawyer defending political prisoners says fear is dominating Qarchak detention center and calls for urgent action. Qarchak Prison, located in a remote desert, 39 kilometers (about 24 miles) east of Tehran, is known as the most dangerous and worst prison in Iran for its inhumane medical and psychological conditions. Swamps and marshes surround the prison, so the prison is filled with insects and rats. The New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) says common complaints in Qarchak Prison include urine-stained floors, lack of ventilation, insufficient and filthy bathroom facilities, the prevalence of contagious diseases, poor quality food containing small pieces of stone and salty water. In recent days, women prisoners have complained that fumes have escaped from the drainage system, filling their rooms with foul odors. Exclusively for female inmates, Qarchak Prison includes seven sections holding approximately 2,000 women and some children, while the number varies in different periods.”  See “Lawyer Says Coronavirus Fear Reigns Over Women’s Prison In Iran,” Radio Farda, April 18, 2020.

In an interesting development now made public, the Rouhani administration asked Judiciary for furlough during the virus for dual nationality political prisoners.  The Judiciary said no.  “Iran Administration Solicited Furlough For Imprisoned Dual-Citizens, Political Prisoners,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 18, 2020.

“Iran’s Military Says It Has 3 Bomb-Carrying Drones,” VOA, April 18, 2020.  Not demonstrated, but claimed, high-altitude (13,700 meters) and long-range (1,500 kilometers).

“UN Experts Call For ‘Immediate Release’ Of Political Prisoners In Iran,” Radio Farda, April 18, 2020.

“Iran is about to contain Covid-19, says minister,” Prensa Latina, April 18, 2020.

I guess he didn’t see the video.  Iran’s Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Amir Hatami on Friday said U.S. reports of harassment by Iranian speedboats yesterday in the Gulf were “baseless.”  “Iran says ‘illegal’ U.S. presence in Gulf causes insecurity – IRNA,” Reuters, April 17, 2020.

“U.S. State Department Issues $10 Million Bounty On Mohammed Kawtharani,” UANI, April 17, 2020.  “Last week, the U.S. State Department offered a $10 million reward for information on Lebanese Hezbollah’s senior military commander in Iraq, Mohammed Kawtharani. Kawtharani, who was first designated by the U.S. Department of Treasury as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2013, has played an integral role in advancing the Islamic Republic of Iran’s support for proxy terrorist groups across the Middle East. Kawtharani’s 2013 global terrorist designation resulted from his efforts to fund proxy militia forces and facilitate Iran’s global terror campaign in Iraq. Under his leadership, Iran’s operatives have violently suppressed protests, attacked foreign diplomatic missions, and engaged in organized criminal activity. By including Kawtharani in its Rewards for Justice Program, the U.S. has increased pressure on Hezbollah and doubled down on its April 2019 commitment to disrupt the financial mechanism of Hezbollah – which provides training, funding, and logistical support to Iraqi Shiite militia groups.  In one of the few available profiles on this terrorist leader, United Against Nuclear Iran’s (UANI) resource, Mohammad Kawtharani, outlines Kawtharani’s background and modus operandi, as well as his role in establishing Hezbollah’s footprint in Iraq, and influence on the Iraqi political system. Kawtharani’s responsibilities in Iraq have only grown after Qassem Soleimani’s death, especially in coordinating among Iran’s fractious allies in Iraq. Tehran’s control over Shi’a militias has made it the dominant military, political, and diplomatic power broker there, but its quest for domination and subversion of Iraqi interests to its own has weakened Iraq’s central government and impeded its ability to provide for the welfare of its citizens.”

“Iran to reopen businesses as COVID-19 lockdown eased,” Zein Basravi, Al Jazeera, April 17, 2020.

“Iranian teen shocks chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen to win $14,000 prize,” Ben Morse, CNN, April 17, 2020.  “Firouzja plays under the flag of FIDE, the global chess organization, after leaving his native Iran to avoid government restrictions. Iran strongly discourages its citizens from competing against Israelis, as a sign of protest against the country and a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The teenage grandmaster moved to France at the end of 2019 with his father so he could compete against Israeli opponents.” And against anyone—he does not discriminate.

Iran’s official death toll from the new coronavirus rose by 92 on Wednesday, announced Thursday.  “Iran’s coronavirus death toll rises to 4,869, report says it could be higher,” Reuters, April 16, 2020.

This is so bizarre, but so much like the Regime, that I’m pasting part of the story.  “The Iranian military unveiled a scientifically-dubious device on Wednesday that could allegedly detect the novel coronavirus with magnetic fields. Iran faces an unpleasant choice between shutting down a sanctions-battered economy once again or continuing to risk a second wave of deadly coronavirus infections. Wishful thinking and miracle solutions are creeping into official discourse as the government deflects criticism of its epidemic response. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) head Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami claimed that a new device developed by Iranian scientists can detect the presence of the coronavirus on surfaces with an eighty percent accuracy within five seconds. He claims that a “bipolar virus” generates a magnetic field which detects other viruses up to a 100-meter radius.  “Iran’s Military Says It Can Detect Coronavirus with Magnetic Fields,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, April 16, 2020.

Story quoted in part for shock value, and also to draw readers to the fact the highest ranking military officer, directly reporting to the Supreme Leader, is Iran’s official pushing this fraudulent medical hope.  “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it has invented a device that can detect a person infected with the coronavirus from 100 meters away. Yet, after receiving criticism on the device’s functionality, the IRGC doubled down on the device, insisting that it works. The IRGC commander, Gen. Hossein Salami, told Tasnim News Agency that dozens of countries have contacted Iran about the machine, but it “would not be shared with the Americans until all sanctions are removed.” IRGC spokesman Ramazan Sharif said, “Soon, the production process, technical features and capabilities” of the device will be shared with the media and experts. In response to the international criticism and mockery of the device, Sharif said that “Iranians take more pride and honor in causing the shock and anger of enemies and those who want ill for us.” Salami unveiled the device April 15 on Iranian television. According to Salami, the device can detect an infected surface or individual in five seconds. Scientists working under the Basij designed the device, which uses a magnetic field and reportedly has an accuracy rate of 80%. Many critics,  however, pointed out that the device resembles the fraudulent bomb detection wands, invented by a British businessman, that were used in Iraq at the height of suicide bombings.”  See the article at “Iran’s IRGC doubles down on claims of coronavirus detection machine,” Al-Monitor, April 16, 2020.

“Iranian press review: Fury as billions unaccounted for in 2018 budget review,” MEE, April 16, 2020.

“Iran’s regime will develop nuclear submarines says navy commander,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 16, 2020.

President Hassan Rouhani’s advisor has blasted the state-run television for “advertising” a device that the Revolutionary Guard on Wednesday claimed could detect the coronavirus within a radius of 100 meters. Referring to the state- run television’s report on Wednesday in which the mask-wearing Revolutionary Guard Commander Major-General Hossein Salami announced a breakthrough in detection of coronavirus, Hesameddin Ashena called the broadcast an “advertisement in a news program”. “Do not advertise vaccines, medicine, [coronavirus] test kits or unique and innovative virus detection devices that have not been approved by the Health Ministry,” Ashena who is Rouhani’s media advisor wrote sarcastically. A video posted on Twitter shows the device being tested at a health facility with everyone looking baffled as it fails to detect the virus even a couple of feet away. “Rouhani Advisor Blasts State TV For ‘Advertising’ IRGC’s Virus Detection Device,” Radio Farda, April 16, 2020.

“Iran COVID Deaths Down But Capital Tehran Still In Crisis,” Radio Farda, April 16, 2020.

Another reminder of the ties between the allies Iran and China.  “Iran FM Lauds China for Help in Coronavirus Fight,” IFP, April 16, 2020.

“Iran Continuing Religious Building Projects In Iraq Despite Economic Hardship,” Radio Farda, April 16, 2020.

Full of fake claims made by Iran in the past several years.  “Iran’s Military Makes Batshit Claim That This Stupid Contraption Detects Coronavirus,” Joseph Trevithick, The War Zone, April 16, 2020.  IRGC Gen. Salami said it “generates a magnetic field that screens its surroundings, and is fitted with an antenna that points in the direction of infected targets upon detecting them.”

“Iranian Gov’t Report Says Coronavirus Death Toll 80 Percent Higher than Previously Acknowledged,” Zachary Evans, National Review, April 15, 2020.